School Bus Strikes Truck, Home on Union Ave in Lakehurst, NJ

Lakehurst, NJ (September 11, 2026) – A Manchester Township Schools bus struck a pickup truck and a house early Thursday morning, September 10, in Lakehurst, leaving two people injured.

The Lakehurst Police said the crash happened around 6:22 a.m. near Lilac Street and Union Avenue. The bus driver was heading east on Union Avenue when he crossed into the westbound lane while navigating a curve. As a result, he struck a 2022 Ford F-250. 

The bus clipped the back of the pickup, spinning it and leaving it disabled in the road. It then continued off the roadway and struck the front of a nearby house.

No students were aboard the bus at the time, and no one was inside the home when it was hit. Both drivers were evaluated at a hospital for minor injuries. The home sustained significant damage and was later deemed unsafe for occupancy.

Union Avenue was closed for several hours while emergency units worked the scene. Police say failure to maintain a lane appears to be the leading factor behind the crash, though the review is still underway. 

We wish both drivers a quick recovery.

How Government Claims Rules Shape School Bus Accidents in Lakehurst, NJ

Claims against a public school district follow a different legal path than an ordinary car accident case. The bus is owned by a government entity, so New Jersey's Tort Claims Act controls how an injured person can pursue compensation.

Under this law, anyone hurt by a public entity's vehicle or employee generally must file a formal notice of claim within 90 days of the crash, well before a lawsuit can even be filed. If that window is missed, it can permanently bar a claim, regardless of how clear the fault may be.

The Act also caps certain damages and requires proof that injuries meet a specific severity threshold before pain and suffering compensation becomes available.

These deadlines create real pressure for injured drivers, passengers, or property owners trying to gather medical records, repair estimates, and witness accounts while they continue to recover physically. 

School districts and their insurers tend to move quickly to evaluate exposure, so delays on the injured party's side can put them at a disadvantage before negotiations even begin.

A bus accident lawyer familiar with the Tort Claims Act can help make sure the notice is filed correctly and on time, which is usually the difference between having a viable claim and losing the right to pursue one entirely.

At Metro Law, we have helped clients navigate New Jersey's government claims process when a public vehicle is involved in a crash.

If you or someone you know was hurt in a similar situation, we can help you understand the notice requirements and deadlines that apply to your case. Reach out to Metro Law at (800) 469-6476 to discuss your options with our team directly.